[hankejh]

The links and prices are correct. You'll have to match the specs on the sheet when configuring at Apple's store.

Note that the drive option (500GB vs 750GB) does not change the price -- you can have either for the same price. I chose the faster drive (7200 rpm) over the slower (5400 rpm) -- a 25% increase in drive speed makes a world of difference in performance.

I'm not sure what you did with the HP configuration -- starting with the base config ($999), adding the specs listed on the sheet (note: there is no base 6GB to downgrade to 4GB -- and Apple memory options are never* competitive compared to other options), the price remains as noted on the sheet. Perhaps try it again from the base config. So, the rest of the analysis is unfounded.

[hankejh]

I should add that given the mention of 3-4 years amortization (which doesn't net out, given the correct pricing on the sheet), Apple limits your coverage to 3-years. There is no option under any circumstance to acquire a 4th (or further) year of coverage (Apple FAIL). HP, on the other hand, will cover your machine for at least 4 years -- and I believe you can purchase coverage indefinitely (requires further investigation). Killing support on a machine that should last 4-6 years demonstrates a complete disregard for environmental conservation, given the enormous* (frankly staggering) energy required to manufacture it in the first place. Shame on Apple.